News & Standards
The Standard for Welding Terminology
The latest welding terminology standard from the American Welding Society (AWS) is now available. This glossary is an updated reference with terms added for additive manufacturing and nondestructive examination to support accuracy in welding documentation.
AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2025 – Standard Welding Terms and Definitions Including Terms for Additive Manufacturing, Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Cutting, Thermal Spraying, and Nondestructive Examination reflects advancements in fabrication, inspection and welding technology. AWS touts it as a trusted resource for engineers, welders, educators and industry professionals who rely on clear, precise communication. Nonstandard terms used in the welding industry are also included. Terms are arranged in alphabetical order.
AI Applications Watch
X-Ray and Ultrasound Are Becoming Autonomous
NVIDIA is collaborating with GE HealthCare to advance innovation in autonomous imaging, focused on developing autonomous X-Ray technologies and ultrasound applications. Using the new NVIDIA Isaac for Healthcare medical device simulation platform—which includes pretrained models and physics-based simulations of sensors, anatomy and environments—they can now train, test and validate autonomous imaging system capabilities in a virtual environment before deployment in the physical world.
Isaac for Healthcare is a physical AI platform built on NVIDIA’s three computers for robotics: NVIDIA DGX, NVIDIA Omniverse and NVIDIA Holoscan. It includes AI models fine-tuned for healthcare robotics that can understand, act and see using enhanced vision and language processing.
NVIDIA stated that simulation options for medical sensors are often limited. “With Isaac for Healthcare, developers can now access physics-based digital twins of medical environments, allowing them to import custom sensors, instruments and even anatomies to teach robots how to respond to various scenarios,” stated the press release. These virtual environments bridge the gap between simulation and real-world application and enable rapid digital prototyping.
Self-learning Systems Continuously Improve Laser-cutting Tools
Trumpf is rolling out a laser cutting assistant that addresses the problem of determining the correct parameters for material grades during laser cutting. Materials that are not optimized for laser cutting often produce edges with wide variations in cut quality, noted Trumpf, which forces production employees to constantly change the technology parameters. This is time-consuming.
Cutting Assistant is an application that uses AI to improve the quality of laser-cut edges. The algorithm is integrated into the machine software. To use it, production employees simply use a hand scanner to take a picture of their component’s cut edge. The app then assesses edge quality by evaluating for objective criteria such as burr formation. The application’s optimization algorithm suggests improved parameters for the cutting process. The machine then cuts the sheet metal.
If the quality still does not meet expectations, noted Trumpf, the user has the option to repeat the process. Trumpf continues to train the software’s algorithm, as data from applications in the field will be incorporated into the solution and improve results. The solution is currently for the TruLaser series featuring a power output of 6 kW or more. Current users of Trumpf machines should be able to download the Cutting Assistant.
March Product Spotlight
Material Handling: Pulley Systems Enable Production Line Efficiency
Where would the production line be today without the conveyor belt? Conveyor belt systems have been around since the early 1800s, when British forces used a steam-powered conveyor to ship long-lasting biscuits from the bakery to storage areas. Later, in 1905, Richard Sutcliffe invented the first conveyor belt system for the mining sector. Henry Ford implemented continuous assembly lines to build efficiency into making the Model T Ford automobile.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the conveyor belt designs of today are vastly different from the ones Ford built. To operate efficiently, modern versions rely on specific components, including a drive roller, a drive motor, a gearbox, pulley, belt and belt cleaners, tensioners, a frame and backstops. The pulley, for example, plays a fundamental role in ensuring proper operation of the system.
Many conveyor pulleys available today feature shafts with welded hubs. Over time, and after repeated cycles and flexing in the pulley’s shaft, the welds can fail. Instead, when engineers design, operate or repair conveyance systems in material handling systems for airports and in warehousing, they can now look for either quick-detachable (QD) hubs or hubs with a tapered bore bushing and locking collar.
The ProSeries Pulleys from ProVeyance Group, for example, this company also takes TIR measurements at several locations and balances the pulleys at the desired RPM range to ensure a long-lasting component. Depending on the application, the pulleys come with various shaft materials including cold rolled 1018 or 1045 steel with a higher carbon content.
Motion Systems: Engineering Energy Efficiency in Motors
SEW-Eurodrive launched the DR2C motor, an IE5 ultra-premium efficiency motor engineered for wide speed range operation and maximum long-term energy cost reductions. The DR2C motor series is based on Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) technology, which integrates permanent magnets within the rotor instead of being surface-mounted.
According to their press note, “This design increases torque density and achieves the highest normative efficiency class IE5, resulting in energy losses up to 50% lower than those of standard IE3 asynchronous motors in the same power class—achieving superior energy efficiency across the entire speed range. This leads to lower operating costs, extended service life, and reduced environmental impact—all without compromising power or performance.”
Is this a game-changer? SEW-Eurodrive said the DR2C motor delivers maximum torque in a compact design. It is about two frame sizes smaller than comparable IE3 asynchronous motors. The high-power density is achieved through advanced Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) technology, they said, which boosts efficiency and performance for heavy-load applications. The motor’s low inherent mass inertia minimizes energy losses during acceleration, further enhancing its dynamic response and overall efficiency.
Aerospace & Defense: Shrink Wrap a Military Helicopter
If there’s one thing we can all agree on: When it comes to military equipment, the most desirable scenario is to never have to take weaponry out of storage. However, if defense is necessary, it is critical for combat equipment to be mission ready, according to Cortec Corporation, a manufacturer of corrosion control technologies for packaging, metalworking, electronics, oil & gas and other industries.
The firm is working on multiple preservation options, but for deep storage of military vehicles, cargo loaders, tanks and other equipment, it recommends MilCorr VpCI Shrink Film, a heavy-duty option for outdoor protection. In cases where heavy equipment—such as Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) vehicles—stored near the coast need more protection than the original equipment coating, an auxiliary protective coating such as EcoShield VpCI-386 can be applied periodically right over painted or unpainted metal surfaces for extra protection. ElectriCorr VpCI-239 can be sprayed as a protective coating on electrical contacts and relays.
“At minimum, the cost of corrosion equals the value of any assets lost or the price of repairs done, not to mention the intangible costs incurred from lack of mission readiness and the time spent waiting for a replacement to arrive,” noted Cortec.
Servos & Drives: Servo Drive Packaged Like a High-end Consumer Device
Festo has introduced a CMMT-ST servo drive starter kit for control engineers and programmers. This campaign offers a smart, low-cost way to learn how to commission and size Festo’s multiprotocol family of servo drives that range from 300 W DC up to 12 kW AC.
“The real value to your readers is that they gain the ability at 50% off list price to learn how to code the entire CMMT servo drive family from a single unit,” Steve Sterling, president, Sterling Public Relations, Inc., noted in an email.
Each drive is compatible with EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, PROFINET and Modbus TCP protocols. Users simply log onto the drive and select the protocol from a dropdown menu. This family of multiprotocol servo drives lowers inventory and engineering overhead through a learn-one-learn-them-all strategy of function block programming across the entire CMMT servo drive family.
Test & Measurement: Neutralize Static Electricity
Static electricity can be a serious threat. Unchecked static can lead to product defects, material jams and even hazardous shocks to employees. If static is interfering with your processes, EXAIR’s upgraded Model 7905 Digital Static Meter could be a first step to addressing the issue.
At the push of a button, this handheld device pinpoints the highest voltage areas in your facility. The device detects surface voltage and polarity on objects up to ±20 kV, delivering immediate LED-illuminated readings for fast and accurate troubleshooting. An infrared beam ensures measurement is taken from the optimal one-inch distance for precise readings.
Certified for accuracy by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this highly sensitive instrument ensures pinpoint static measurements, allowing you to take proactive steps toward eliminating costly disruptions in your operations.
Medical Devices: CNC Machine Produces Tibia Spacers for Knee Prosthetics
SW North America, a manufacturer of medical implants, instruments and devices, has a twin-spindle horizontal CNC machining center designed as a fully independent manufacturing cell. The BA 322i is equipped with an internal Fanuc LRmate 200id 7L robot and an integrated workpiece storage unit, and is built to run an entire shift with minimal human interaction.
Manufacturers seeking high-production, high-precision machining can witness a live demo of the machine producing a Tibia Spacer, a critical component in total knee prosthetics when they visit Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) in Cleveland (April 1-3).
The live demonstration will use ABS plastic. Real-world applications typically utilize PEEK, a biocompatible thermoplastic polymer that mimics the density of bone. The machining process includes a fully automated workflow, with raw stock loaded into the storage elevator, automated OP10 and OP20 processing, and finished parts efficiently cycled back into storage—all without manual intervention beyond loading and unloading.
This precision-driven, high-efficiency process is not limited to the medical devices industry. SW hopes to showcase its ability to enhance manufacturing capabilities, particularly with its multi-spindle CNC machining centers for cutting a variety of materials in the automotive, electromobility, agricultural and construction machinery, medical technology and aerospace industries.
Based in Michigan, SW North America is a subsidiary of Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH.
Automation & IIoT: Ultra-Compact Hollow-Shaft Angle Sensors
International sensor and transducer manufacturing company, Novotechnik’s U.S. operations are based out of Southborough, Mass. The company has been around since the 1950s and today develops a variety of rotary and linear position sensors using contacting and non-contacting technologies for motion control applications in the machine engineering, plastics, medical equipment, hydraulic, pneumatic, automotive, medical products and control industries.
Novotechnik’s latest offering, the WAL 200 Series of hollow shaft angle sensors, provides absolute, rotary position. As an absolute sensor, the WAL 200 Series continues to track angle even if power is removed, reporting the correct position when power is restored.
Here are the specs:
- Sensor dimensions are 7 × 22 mm.
- The WAL 200 Series has a measurement range of 0 to 340 deg. The mechanical range is a continuous 0 to 360 deg.
- Other key specifications include resolution of < 0.3 deg., repeatability of 0.3 deg. and independent linearity of ±1% of measurement range.
These sensors are rated to a minimum life of 2 million mechanical movements. Cable and connector versions are available.
